'Not Who I Am!' Commanders QB Sam Howell Talks Dismal Showing vs. Bills
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell entered last Sunday with endless confidence and a strong track record to boot, coming off an impressive showing against the Denver Broncos while holding a 3-0 record as a starter.
But by day's end, Howell, who took a 37-3 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, felt many different emotions - perhaps the most prevalent being pain after getting sacked nine times.
The 23-year-old Howell completed 19 of 29 passes for 170 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions, which doubled the total from his first three games.
Now, Howell is tasked with putting last week firmly in the rearview mirror, a challenge he's not having too much trouble with because he feels the performance wasn't indicative of who he is.
“I just kind of put the game behind me and worry about the next game," Howell said. “I think the player I was on Sunday is not who I truly am as a player. I just kind of go back to my process and doing what's always worked for me in the past and preparing the same way and just never losing that confidence."
Howell declined to put blame on his youth, pointing out that the scoreboard doesn't care about experience, and he's not one to make any excuses.
A fifth-round pick in 2022, Howell has largely outperformed external expectations thus far, making his showing against Buffalo all the more surprising.
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell attempts to throw a pass while being tackled against the Bills.
USA Today
Howell expects better from himself, and he believes his teammates and organization deserve better, as well - but he's not down on himself.
After the blowout defeat, Howell returned to see a number of messages on his phone, be it from his dad, trainer, or high school coach, noting he had more people reach out after that game than when he plays well.
The support both inside and outside of Washington's locker room has helped Howell keep his head high, and entering Sunday's road game against the 3-0 Philadelphia Eagles, he remains in the same mental headspace as he was before the 34-point loss.
“I think especially in this league, you have to stay confident," Howell said. "No matter how bad I played on Sunday, I have another opportunity this Sunday to play against a really good Philadelphia team and I got to do whatever it takes throughout the week to prepare myself. I'm excited to get back out there."
Winning in Philadelphia is a tall task, but not something Washington can't do - after all, it took a 32-21 victory in the City of Brotherly Love last year.
Howell said the locker room was more excited after that game than any other, and he's hoping to re-live it this Sunday ... all the while washing the bad taste out of his mouth from last week.
“Ever since the game ended on Sunday, I was excited for the next game just because I'm ready for another opportunity," Howell said. "I'm ready to go out there and play like myself again.”
The Eagles and Commanders are set to kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
